This hat pin is a fabulous example of how a faux object can masquerade as the real deal. The celluloid of the pin head is a tortoise shell pretender and is 2 inches long and 1 and 3/8 wide. It shares a transparency that one would find in the genuine article.

The metallic, Greek key design,which runs around the whole oval of the top, is meant to represent what is known as a pique' technique. On real shell this meant that tiny pieces of silver or gold were embedded when the shell was heated. When the shell would cool, the precious metal was permanently seated. The pin head is atop an 11 and 1/2 inch steel shank. This easily places it in the Edwardian era. While pique ' hat pins are fairly rare, this imitator is so lovely it is just as desirable!

Take this one home with confidence that it is authentic and in excellent antique condition. It emanates from a decades long collection and will be a great addition to a new one.

This hat pin is from Charlotte's personal collection, which was developed over three decades. She has belonged to the American Hat Pin Society for decades, to continue to learn and associate with fellow collectors. It is time for some of these treasures to move on to new houses!

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